Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-23 at 03:02

HEADLINES
US B-1 strikes Iran escalating conflict
Houthis strike Saudi tankers in Red Sea
Greece to buy Israeli air defense system

The time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US escalates Iran campaign with first B-1 bomber strike since conflict resumed, sources tell 'Post', the United States deployed a B-1 long-range bomber to strike Iran on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation since the conflict renewed about twelve days ago, according to The Jerusalem Post. The first strike using the bomber was conducted on Tuesday, and the aircraft reportedly began its mission from a base in the United Kingdom, with its movements tracked online but the target not disclosed. The report notes that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved the use of British bases for attacks by the United States against Iran. The B-1 bomber is capable of carrying roughly two dozen 2,000-pound bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, signaling the scale of the operation. CENTCOM did not mention the B-1 in a statement about overnight strikes against Iran. The United States has conducted several B-1 missions between February and April during Operation Epic Fury, hitting missile bases, command centers, weapons storage facilities, and air defense systems, according to CENTCOM.

In ASEAN to call for open straits as US-Iran war casts shadow, foreign ministers from fuel-stressed Southeast Asia will call for freedom of navigation in international straits when they wrap a week of meetings largely overshadowed by the US-Iran war, according to a draft communique seen by AFP. The draft statement expected to emerge from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Manila will also repeat calls for self-restraint in a Middle East conflict that has carried economic ripple effects throughout the region. Visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN envoys that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, stressing a fundamental principle about freedom of navigation that is threatened. The draft communique inserts previously unused language targeting freedom of navigation in and overflight above straits and, separately, calling for unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait’s closure following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran has left many in the region scrambling to deal with energy shortages, and the Philippines has declared a national emergency as energy concerns bite; energy disruptions are shaping discussions at the ASEAN meetings.

In Houthis say they attacked Saudi tankers in Red Sea, threatening new oil chokepoint in Iran war, five tankers have rerouted to avoid Bab el-Mandeb as fears grow that Red Sea disruptions could further raise oil prices and strain shipping routes amid the Iran war, even as the US launched a new round of strikes on Iran at President Trump’s direction, marking a 12th consecutive night of attacks. The Yemen-based Houthis, who control areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, said they struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move viewed by some analysts as a leverage play in the broader conflict. Iran’s near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already stoked inflation and energy costs worldwide, impacting consumers in the region and beyond. Five tankers changed course in the Red Sea to avoid Bab el-Mandeb, and three tankers loaded with Saudi oil for export were affected, underscoring tensions around global energy supply amid the ongoing fighting.

In Israel's most volatile election season begins with integrity warnings, coalition chaos, President Herzog warns of election threats, and coalition allies publicly turn on each other, with AI-powered attack ads from the Likud drawing wide criticism and deepening tensions as the campaign gets underway. President Herzog disclosed that Shin Bet has identified potential threats to the integrity of the electoral process, a warning delivered the same day that AI-generated campaign videos from the Likud targeting opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot drew sharp backlash. The episode highlighted mounting tensions within and between coalition parties. Rabbi Landau of the Degel HaTorah faction faced sharp criticism after remarks widely interpreted as accusing the IDF of murder, drawing a rare public condemnation from Prime Minister Netanyahu. In internal politics, Itamar Ben-Gvir said that the dismissal of the attorney general would be a precondition for joining any future Netanyahu-led government.

In Greece to buy €3.5 billion air defence system from Israel, sources say, Greece’s security council KYSEA is expected to give final approval for the purchase of a multi-layer air defense system from Israel, worth up to €3.5 billion and including several types of drones. Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and IAI will form the core of the Achilles Shield system. Greece intends to modernize its armed forces with a plan to spend about €28 billion by 2036, including up to 40 new F-35 fighters and frigates from France and Italy. Defence spending in Greece runs at about 3.5% of GDP, reflecting its long-standing tensions with Turkey. The close ties between Greece and Israel include an air training center on Greek soil, joint drills, and cooperation on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity, underscoring a growing defense partnership between the two countries.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-903386
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/asean-call-open-straits-us-iran-war-casts-shadow
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-903387
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/article-903317
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byh00hxjhfg
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/07/greece-buy-eu35-billion-air-defence-system-israel-sources-say